Thinning skin can cause the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. As estrogen levels decline during the menopause transition, the skin becomes thinner. This causes the blood vessels beneath the skin to become more visible, making the skin around or under the eyes appear darker or discolored.
Diminishing collagen production also causes the skin to lose its firmness, which can lead to the sagging of the skin under the eyes. Fluctuating hormones during this stage in life can also cause fatigue and sleep disturbances, which can further exacerbate the appearance of dark circles.
Replenishing lost hormones with HRT can help keep the skin firm and hydrated and reduce the appearance of dark circles.